An American Strategy for Iraq Moving Forward

Iraq remains a problem that U.S. policymakers ignore at their own peril. While the security situation has dramatically improved since the dark days of 2006, the nation remains fragile and potentially volatile. In Unfinished Business, a small group of highly regarded experts from across the political spectrum analyze the situation and set forth a path for U.S. policy toward Baghdad.Washington has signaled its intention to withdraw military forces from Iraq sooner rather than later. What remains unclear is what America hopes to accomplish before its troops depart, or how it plans to reach its goals. The U.S must have a clear strategic concept, establishing well-defined goals and objectives that can be achieved even as it reduces its forces. The authors assert that the following should be the priorities for U.S. interests in Iraq: Iraq cannot be allowed to descend back into civil war. Iraq cannot reemerge as an aggressive state. Iraq should ideally be a strong, prosperous U.S. ally. less